Top former WWE champ Rhea Ripley marries star from rivals AEW as major return rumours gather pace

One of wrestling’s top couples are now married as Rhea Ripley announced she’s tied the knot with partner Buddy Murphy.

Ripley has been one of WWE’s most dominant performers over the last 18 months or so but is currently out of action through injury.

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The star had been in the midst of a record-equalling reign as Women’s World Champion when she suffered the legitimate injury back in the spring.

After conquering Becky Lynch at WrestleMania XL to retain her gold – having won it a year prior against Charlotte Flair at the marquee event – Ripley looked to be on an unstoppable streak.

Shortly after, while filming a storyline brawl backstage with rival Liv Morgan, the Aussie sensation suffered damage to her shoulder that she claimed would keep her ‘on the bench’ for a while.

Relinquishing her gold, which was later won by Morgan, she vowed to return, but she’s seemingly put her time away from the squared circle to good use.

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Having dated former WWE wrestler Murphy since 2022 and been engaged for around a year or so, Ripley what looks to be a stunning wedding snap on her Instagram profile.

Hinting that they tied the knot last Sunday, the caption simply read: “Til death. 23.06.24.”

Fans flooded the post with replies of congratulations, one adding: So happy for you. Wish you the best.”

Another said: “Absolutely perfect, what a couple. All the best for the future Rhea and Buddy!”

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Ripley’s new husband now wrestles for rival organisation All Elite Wrestling as Buddy Matthews, a member of House of Black.

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A former Trios World Champion in AEW, he’s also held WWE’s Cruiserweight title and the Raw Tag Team titles.

Though Ripley’s enforced absence from screens will have certainly given the pairing more time together in recent months, reports have suggested the Annihilator is edging closer to what will be a sensational WWE return.

Morgan has been running riot with the title and causing havoc for Ripley’s storyline partner, Dominik Mysterio, fans now crying out for the villain to get her comeuppance.

US outlet Fightful suggests they might not have too much longer to wait, with the hope she may, if good progress continues, be able to appear prior to August’s SummerSlam event.

Regardless of whether it’s days, weeks or months, it appears WWE are getting things ready.

The noted: “WWE sources had indicated that they have things constructed that Ripley can slide in and return to the program whenever she’s ready, even in a non-wrestling capacity.

“There have already been discussions internally about her being involved in the World Title program upon her return, as that would be logical considering where she left off.

"However, a WWE source said that the story available at the time of her return will dictate what programs she’s in, as many creative decisions have been made in her absence that still involve her.”

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Ripley’s rise in WWE since her formative appearances in 2017 is unlike any other.

Since then, she’s held top titles in NXT UK, NXT and the main roster.

Among her other accolades are a Royal Rumble win, a tag team title reign and a stint as Raw Women’s Champion.